BEADS are available in a variety of colors, styles and sizes. If you would like to donate beads to the float, they can be ordered from your favorite supplier and delivered to the build site where they will be labeled with your name on the box (so you know which ones are yours) loaded on the float and transported to the line up area, so you don't have to carry them. They can also be delivered to the float at the line up area on the day of the parade. We order our beads from Beads by the Dozen. (How can you look at this page and not smile?) We prefer beads follow the color scheme of the float, but any donated beads are appreciated. The most preferred bead is about a 10mm 36 inch or larger. These are a premium quality beads that you will want to ration accordingly and save a few for yourself as a souvenir. BEAD FRENZY 
Beads are the silly ostentatious bling of the parade. They're like crazy treasure for grown ups. A float without beads is like Champagne without bubbles.
The only downside of beads is they run out too fast. Avoid beadlessness needlessly! The all too common symptoms of Bead Frenzy occurs when newbies throw way too many beads too fast and too early in the parade, then wonder what happened to all the damn beads when they are all gone before even hitting Duval street. What happens is you will see about 100,000 people all screaming at you for beads, and it’s very tempting to want to throw a strand of beads to every smiling face in the crowd. Don't do it. If you do you will not only very rapidly deplete your own beads ration, but also that of your fellow crewmen with whom you are supposed to be sharing. 
The Minions is a small crew with a limited budget, yet each year we somehow manage to purchase a modest supply of premium beads.
We ask our crew to please set a good example for your fellow crewmen by reminding them to be aware of the limited bead supply and throw your beads responsibly. One good tip to beads conservation is to only throw beads to groups or spectators who have clearly made an effort to dress in costume for the parade, are visiting from a foreign country (sometimes you can just tell), or are contributing to the festival in a positive manner. That way you know your beads are being spent wisely and going to those who deserve them most. We sometimes have a volunteer Bead Czar who is solemnly responsible for "the keeping of the beads", opening cases of beads, detangling beads, and distributing beads to riders and walkers. If a bunch of beads can't be untangled, don't throw the whole wad into the crowd. Give them back to the bead Czar to be detangled for later use and get another one. Don't feel obligated to throw beads to every single person in the crowd. There is an entire parade following us, and it's better to have a few beads remaining at the end of the parade than to run out too early. THROWS and custom souvenirs 
You can also make a batch of your own personalized custom throws.
Throws do not have to be limited only to beads. We are also known to produce a limited quantity of custom made throws and souvenirs unique to an individual float. Hats, wrist bands, necklaces, costume jewelry, temporary tattoos, decorated coconuts, glow sticks, toys, trinkets, all make excellent Fantasy Fest swag. You can also place orders and purchase all kinds of custom throws and festival supplies by Googling "Mardi Gras beads and supplies". |